The incident happened just after 9 p.m. Tuesday near Malcolm X Boulevard and Macon Street.
It was determined by the Collision Investigation Squad that the 35-year-old man was traveling northbound on Malcolm X Boulevard on a 2017 Kawasaki dirt bike at the same time as a 2016 Mercedes Benz was traveling in the same direction.
The operator of the dirt bike hit a dip in the road, causing him to be ejected from the bike onto the roadway. He was then struck by the Mercedes, operated by a 28-year-old man.
The 35-year-old man was transported to Kings County Hospital in critical condition, where he died.
The 35-year-old has been identified as Detwan Hannah, from Brooklyn.
The operator of the Mercedes remained on scene, where he was taken into custody.
Keon Davis, 28, of Georgia, is now facing charges for criminal negligent homicide, aggravated unlicensed operator, and unlicensed operator.
The Incident in Detail
The fatal crash unfolded in the heart of Bedford-Stuyvesant, one of Brooklyn’s most historic and densely populated neighborhoods. According to investigators with the NYPD’s Collision Investigation Squad, Detwan Hannah was riding a 2017 Kawasaki dirt bike northbound along Malcolm X Boulevard shortly after 9 p.m. on Tuesday.
At the same time, a 2016 Mercedes Benz driven by Keon Davis was traveling in the same direction. As Hannah’s dirt bike approached the intersection with Macon Street, it struck a dip in the roadway. The impact of hitting the depression in the pavement caused Hannah to lose control and be ejected from the motorcycle, throwing him onto the asphalt.
Moments later, the Mercedes Benz driven by Davis struck Hannah as he lay on the roadway. The force of the collision left Hannah with catastrophic injuries.
Emergency medical services responded to the scene and rushed Hannah to Kings County Hospital, where he was listed in critical condition. Despite the efforts of medical staff, Hannah succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The Aftermath and Arrest
Following the collision, Keon Davis remained at the scene. Police officers who responded to the crash took him into custody without incident. Davis, a 28-year-old man from Georgia, was subsequently charged with criminal negligent homicide, aggravated unlicensed operator, and unlicensed operator.
Criminal negligent homicide is a Class E felony in New York State, carrying a potential sentence of up to four years in prison. The charge alleges that Davis engaged in negligent conduct that caused the death of another person. Aggravated unlicensed operation and unlicensed operation are separate charges related to Davis allegedly operating a motor vehicle without a valid license.
Davis is expected to be arraigned in Brooklyn Criminal Court. The date and time of his arraignment have not yet been publicly announced. It remains unclear whether Davis has retained legal counsel.
Who Was Detwan Hannah?
Detwan Hannah was a 35-year-old resident of Brooklyn. While detailed biographical information about Hannah has not been released by authorities or his family, his death has sent shockwaves through his community. Friends and neighbors described him as a familiar presence in the neighborhood.
The investigation into the crash remains ongoing. The Collision Investigation Squad is reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and residences, as well as vehicle data, to reconstruct the exact sequence of events. Investigators are also examining the condition of the roadway where the dip that caused Hannah to lose control is located.
The Danger of Dirt Bikes on City Streets
The crash involving Detwan Hannah highlights a growing concern in New York City and other urban areas across the country: the presence of dirt bikes, all-terrain vehicles, and other off-road motorcycles on public streets.
Dirt bikes like the 2017 Kawasaki model involved in Tuesday’s crash are designed for off-road use on uneven terrain, not for paved city streets. They typically lack the safety equipment required for street-legal motorcycles, including proper lighting, turn signals, and mirrors. Many are unregistered and uninsured, and their riders often do not hold valid motorcycle licenses.
The NYPD has long struggled to address the proliferation of illegal dirt bikes and ATVs on city streets. Pursuing these vehicles can be dangerous for both officers and the public, as riders often flee at high speeds, run red lights, and drive against traffic. The department has implemented various strategies over the years, including targeted enforcement operations and the use of helicopters, but the problem persists.
Advocates for street safety argue that the issue requires a multifaceted approach, including better enforcement, improved road maintenance, and expanded legal opportunities for riders to use off-road vehicles in designated areas.
Road Conditions and Infrastructure Concerns
The crash also raises questions about road maintenance and infrastructure in Brooklyn. According to the initial investigation, Hannah’s dirt bike struck a dip in the roadway on Malcolm X Boulevard, causing him to be ejected. Road surface defects such as dips, potholes, and uneven pavement are particularly hazardous for two-wheeled vehicles.
Malcolm X Boulevard is a major north-south artery in Brooklyn, carrying thousands of vehicles daily. Like many older urban roads, it has experienced wear and tear over the years. Local residents have periodically complained about the condition of certain stretches of the roadway.
The New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) is responsible for maintaining city streets and has a system for reporting and repairing road defects. However, the sheer volume of infrastructure needs across the five boroughs means that repairs can sometimes lag behind. Vision Zero, the city’s ambitious plan to eliminate traffic deaths, has focused on redesigning dangerous corridors and improving safety for vulnerable road users.
Traffic Safety in New York City
Detwan Hannah’s death is part of a troubling trend in traffic fatalities across New York City. While the city has made progress in reducing overall traffic deaths compared to previous decades, recent years have seen a concerning uptick in fatalities involving motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians.
According to data from the NYC Department of Transportation, motorcyclist fatalities have risen significantly over the past several years. In 2025, more than 250 people died in traffic crashes across the five boroughs, with motorcyclists and dirt bike riders accounting for a disproportionate share of those deaths.
Traffic safety advocates point to several factors contributing to the rise in two-wheeled fatalities: increased congestion, distracted driving, poor road conditions, and the proliferation of illegal off-road vehicles. They argue that the city must do more to protect vulnerable road users through a combination of enforcement, education, and infrastructure improvements.
Recent New York City Crime and Safety Stories
The fatal crash in Bedford-Stuyvesant is one of several recent incidents making headlines across New York City.
In Manhattan, a NYC traffic officer has been charged with strangulation following an incident involving a home care aide. The circumstances of the altercation remain under investigation, and the officer has been suspended pending the outcome of the case.
In Crown Heights, police are searching for a woman wanted in connection with the attempted kidnapping of a 4-year-old child. Surveillance footage shows the suspect approaching the child before the child’s parent intervened. The NYPD is asking anyone with information to come forward.
In Manhattan, a Brooklyn man has been sentenced to prison for his role in a 2024 shooting at a recording studio. The shooting left one person injured, and the defendant was convicted on multiple charges, including assault and criminal possession of a weapon.
In Flatlands, police are looking for a man who stole a cash register from a Wendy’s restaurant. The theft was captured on surveillance video, and investigators are working to identify the suspect.
In a case that has drawn national attention, Nick Reiner has avoided the death penalty over his parents’ killings but still faces life in prison. Reiner, the son of famed director Rob Reiner, was convicted in connection with the deaths of his parents. The case has sparked debates about mental health, family violence, and the criminal justice system.
In Borough Park, a suspect has been arrested in connection with the slashing of a teenager inside a synagogue. The incident occurred during a religious service, and the suspect was taken into custody shortly afterward. Police are investigating the motive behind the attack.
Legal Analysis
The charges against Keon Davis carry significant legal weight. Criminal negligent homicide requires prosecutors to prove that Davis failed to exercise reasonable care while operating his vehicle, and that this failure directly caused Detwan Hannah’s death.
The fact that Davis remained on the scene following the crash may work in his favor during legal proceedings, as it demonstrates a lack of intent to flee. However, the aggravated unlicensed operator charge suggests that Davis should not have been driving at all. If convicted, Davis could face a prison sentence, probation, and fines.
The case may also involve civil liability. Hannah’s family could pursue a wrongful death lawsuit against Davis, and potentially against other parties if road conditions or vehicle defects contributed to the crash. Wrongful death lawsuits in New York allow surviving family members to seek damages for loss of financial support, emotional suffering, and other harms.
Community in Mourning
As news of Detwan Hannah’s death spread through Bedford-Stuyvesant, community members expressed shock and sadness. Hannah was remembered as a familiar face in the neighborhood, and his death has renewed calls for action on traffic safety and road maintenance.
Local activists and elected officials have called for increased investment in street repairs, better enforcement of traffic laws, and expanded resources for grieving families. Some have also called for a broader conversation about how to prevent the illegal use of dirt bikes and ATVs on city streets.
The NYPD has urged anyone with information about the crash to contact the Collision Investigation Squad. Witnesses who may have seen the incident or who have relevant video footage are encouraged to come forward.
What Happens Next
Keon Davis remains in custody pending his arraignment in Brooklyn Criminal Court. The Collision Investigation Squad continues to investigate the crash, and prosecutors are expected to present evidence to a grand jury in the coming weeks.
Detwan Hannah’s family is planning funeral arrangements. A GoFundMe page has been established to help cover burial expenses and support his loved ones during this difficult time.
As the investigation unfolds, the case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by two-wheeled vehicle operators on New York City streets and the importance of road maintenance, traffic enforcement, and driver responsibility in preventing future tragedies.
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